Top 10 Reason We Love Cruising

By
Heather
Published: December 12, 2009Posted in: Autism on the Seas, Cruise, TravelTags: , , , ,
Top 10 Reason We Love Cruising

1) My son learns social skills on every cruise. He learns simple things that many of us take for granted like standing in an elevator, sitting at a formal dinner, passing through a crowd and asking for directions.
2) He tries something new every cruise. My son amazes me each cruise and does something I never thought he would try like going over bridges and down stairs, rock climbing, ice skating or go on a walking tour of Key West.
3) We makes new friends! We have made lifelong  friends on every cruise.
4) My son belongs. He is welcomed, wanted and appreciated. He has been involved with Autism of the Seas and has been the honorary team leader and the staff photographer.
5) We have time together AND apart. On each cruise there are numerous family activities, but there are also activities just for the kids and just for adults. The Autism on the Seas staff provide respite care and the camp on the ship also welcomes kids with autism and has a late night party zone till 2am!
6) He learns independence. Each cruise I have let him spread his wings and fly a little more. With very specific instructions he is allowed to be on his own on the ship. He may be allowed to go to the cabin to relax or retrieve something, run a small errand, or play some ping pong or basketball with a friend.
7) We explore the world and see other cultures. He is learning that not every place and every one is the same. His acceptance is growing.
8) It is a break in routine. He craves routine and it is great to break out of it.
9) His behavior is better. His behaviors on minimal on a cruise, his tics are almost nonexistent. If we could live on a cruise ship we would.
10) Time with others like us. Since we cruise with Autism on the Seas we are able to spend time with other families with children with autism and other developmental disabilities. We share our stories, concerns and compassion with each other. The environment is nonjudgmental, welcoming and supportive. Everyone belongs.

It is a vacation!!!! Life life and have fun.

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About the Author

Heather is mother to a 10 year old son with autism. They live in the Southwest Florida area and travel around the state on numerous adventures.